Orchestra Week

March 30-April 5, 2025

Trip details

  • • For musicians ages 17-26

    • Rehearse and perform in a chamber orchestra made up of students from across the US and Cuba

    • Participate in a weeklong intercultural experience

    • Receive 4 hours of service learning by volunteering in schools and/or packing/delivering humanitarian supplies

    • Learn outside your comfort zone and get to know the Cuban culture

    Learn more at our online Q&A on Monday, January 6, 7:30 pm CT by emailing us for a link!

    Itinerary

  • • Airfare (with logistical assistance from CAYO) and passport expenses (or opt for the group flight with CAYO for a $650 supplement)

    • Meals while en route to and from Cuba

    • Spending money for souvenirs or personal purchases

    • Tips for local guides

    • Vaccinations and medications needed for travel

    • Any transportation, lodging, or meals outside of the group

    • Mini-bar expenses in individual rooms

    • Donation of supplies, musical equipment or humanitarian items (up to $250)

  • $2200 tuition payment includes:

    • Cuban tourist visa, required for entry

    • Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa

    • Classes and workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists

    • Visits to schools for the performing arts

    • Cultural activities and excursions

    • Ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off

    • All meals

    • 4 hours community service

    • Final concert and party

    • CAYO t-shirt

    Round-trip airfare on group booking with CAYO is available for a $650 supplemental fee; please indicate on registration form if you are interested in this option

  • Expect a Zoom call with CAYO leadership in advance of your trip, where you will receive a detailed itinerary and pre-travel information specific to Cuba. You will also receive a student handbook.

  • CAYO works directly with owners of independent houses for rent (casas particulares) in the safe and quiet neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. These comfortable, well-appointed homes offer daily breakfast, air-conditioned bedrooms, and a staff on site for any traveler needs.

    Need a visual? Take a look!

  • Coming soon

Auditions now open for the following instruments:

  • Strings, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, French horn and timpani

  • Fill out the registration form and upload your audition video (requirements in form).

  • Accepted applicants will be notified by January 15, 2025.

Benefits beyond expectations

Travel to Havana, Cuba with a select group of your American peers alongside nationally-recognized CAYO teaching artists. Work side-by-side with Cuban students in a weeklong intercultural experience alongside peers at one of the island’s performing arts high schools, such as Escuela Nacional de Música and Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.

  • Scholarship assistance available upon request.

  • Have additional questions? Please inquire at info@cayomusic.org

Participant reactions

“The week exposed me to how people in Cuba experience life much more differently than we do.”

— Jules, October 2024

“It was absolutely one of the most – if not the single most impactful weeks of my entire life.”

— Philip, May 2019

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